Check local building codes to find out if a permit is required, how far the patio has to be from property and house lines, or any other county or city regulations. Before you dig anywhere in your yard, find out where septic tanks, underground lines, or other utilities are located.
Cutting the stakes to a pointed end may make them easier to drive into the ground. [1] X Research source If the ground is uneven, you have two choices: build up the low side or dig the high side out. [2] X Research source
Compact the earth if necessary. If you’re planning on having something extremely heavy such as a brick barbecue on your patio, your first step will be to pour a concrete foundation for added stability.
Ensure the gravel or crushed rock is compacted and laid evenly. Fluctuation in the height of the base can cause shifting or cracking in the patio over time.
Make sure the stakes are firmly embedded in the ground. Patios need to slope to allow for water runoff. The standard slope is 1/8" per foot. Check your local building codes for the exact slope dimensions. [5] X Research source Don’t underestimate the heaviness of wet concrete. Use very sturdy wood or it could bend or even break under the weight. Consider using steel concrete forms to avoid this problem.
You can also use screws instead of nails. This requires a screwdriver. While you are nailing each four forms to the stakes, make sure the forms are level. Use the string or a level to ensure the forms are level. If the forms are not level, you might end up with uneven concrete.
If pouring concrete next to a house, other slab of concrete, or other structure, place an isolation joint between the concrete and the existing surface. [7] X Research source An isolation joint allows the concrete to move and minimizes cracking. Isolation joints are usually made by adhering asphalt-impregnated fiber sheeting or Iso-strip-off to the wall or surface your concrete will touch. The adhering asphalt-impregnated fiber sheeting and Iso-strip-off can be found at most home improvement stores. [8] X Research source
You can calculate the number of bags you will need by determining the cubic yards of the patio site. Multiply the thickness, the width, and the height of the area to determine how many bags you will need. You can also use a concrete calculator like this. If mixing by hand, you can put the concrete mix into a mortar tub or a wheelbarrow. Mix with a shovel or a hoe. Make sure that when mixing concrete by hand you wear gloves and protective eye wear. If using a mixer, make sure you can move the mixer into the area where you are building the patio. Do this before you begin the project. The amount of concrete needed for the project should determine whether you can mix by hand or with a mixer.
If using a wheelbarrow, make a ramp so you can pour the concrete into the area. Make sure the ramp does not move or disturb the forms. Ramps can be made with 2x4s or other long pieces of wood. Getting help from others will help with this step. Have someone shovel out the concrete as you hold the wheelbarrow.
This is easiest done with another person.
Water will float to the surface during this process. Wait until the water disappears to finish the patio.
